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Jagielka - It has been tough

Phil Jagielka admits he has found it difficult to adapt from his role at Sheffield United to life at Everton.

Last Updated: 11/02/08 10:30am

Phil Jagielka admits he has found it difficult to adapt from his role as a 'big fish' at Sheffield United to life at Everton.

Jagielka was a regular with the Blades but, following a £4million summer move to Goodison Park, the defender has struggled to settle and has found himself on the fringes of the Everton first-team.

However, Jagielka - who scored the winner in Everton's 1-0 victory over Reading on Saturday - now appears to have won over the Toffees faithful after being offered the chance to impress in his favoured centre-back role by manager David Moyes.

And the 25-year-old insists there is still more to come as he helps Everton, who currently occupy fourth spot in the Premier League, compete for a place in the UEFA Champions League.

Patient

"It was tough early on," Jagielka told The Sun. "From being a big fish in a small pond and playing every week, to not playing and not knowing where I would play was difficult.

"But I had good family and good friends around me who talked to me and told me to be patient.

"Now I'm looking onwards and upwards. Things have settled down over the last two or three months and I think my performances are getting there.

"I have come here to be part of the team, not a shining light. I'm just grateful I've had a chance to play in my proper position and thankful it has worked out okay.

"I'd have loved to have been a fans' favourite within a month but it might take me a little bit longer."